How Often Do Patients Need Retreatment After Surgery for Subdural Hematoma? A Nationwide Readmission Database...

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Trauma Surgery
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Subdural hematoma incidence is rising due to an aging population.
• High recurrence and reoperation rates are reported for subdural hematoma.
• Understanding retreatment patterns is crucial for real-world surgical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate retreatment rates after surgical evacuation of subdural hematoma.
• To analyze real-world data on subdural hematoma surgical outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Nationwide Readmissions Database (2016-2019).
• Included adult patients undergoing burr-hole or craniotomy for subdural hematoma.
• Analyzed retreatment rates and timing.

Main Results:

• Retreatment rates were low: 8.4% for burr-hole vs. 6.6% for craniotomy (P<0.001).
• Over 95% of retreatments occurred within 90 days post-initial surgery.
• Retreatment rates remained consistent across the 4-year study period.

Conclusions:

• Retreatment rates for subdural hematoma are lower than previously suggested.
• The majority of subdural hematoma retreatments happen within 90 days.
• Findings may inform follow-up duration guidelines for patients treated for subdural hematoma.